Job Description

Paraprofessional

Purpose:

The Paraprofessional assists the instructor in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.  To accomplish these tasks, the Instructional Paraprofessional works closely with the staff and administration of USD 321.

Responsible To:

Special Education Paraprofessionals will work under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, and under the overall supervision of the Building Principal and Special Education Administrator.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Valid Kansas driver’s license.
3. Must meet requirements of a “Highly Qualified” paraprofessional:
1. Hold an Associates Degree or higher, or
2. Completed a minimum of 48 hours of college coursework, or
3. Pass the Highly Qualified Para Assessment
4. Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in the central office.

Essential Functions:

1. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
1. Assist in facilitating the personal, social and intellectual development of students.
2. Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
3. Ensure that all activities conform to district guidelines.
4. Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
5. React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
6. Effectively use technology and equipment as required.
7. Support the value of education.
8. Support the philosophy and mission of the school district.
9. Comply with all district policies, rules and regulations.

1. Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:
1. Requires the ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods.
2. Occasionally requires the ability to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
3. Occasionally requires the ability to stoop, bend and reach.
4. Requires the ability to occasionally travel.
5. Must be able to work indoors and outdoors year round.
6. Must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.
7. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

General Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the instruction and supervision of students.
2. Observe, record and report student behavior and progress.
3. Assist students with remedial work.
4. Tutor students as directed.
5. Assist with small group and individual instruction.
6. Assist students in games and in the proper use of playground equipment.
7. Use appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
8. Motivate students through effective communication and evaluative feedback.
9. Set high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
10. Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with others.
11. Assist in providing for the special physical needs of students.
12. Escort/transport students to and from various school facilities and areas.
13. Provide mealtime supervision, as needed.
14. Grade papers and assist with record keeping.
15. Take attendance and record absences.
16. Prepare instructional materials and supplies for use.
17. Assist in the maintenance and inventory of materials.
18. Work effectively with students, teachers, parents, community agencies and other groups.
19. Adhere to confidentiality guidelines.
20. Immediately report accidents, assaults, and destruction of property and abusive behavior to the instructor and principal.
21. Adhere to all district health and safety policies, including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
22. Other duties as assigned, which are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications of the position.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated bi-annually in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Nonprofessional Personnel and the Kaw Valley USD 321 Paraprofessional Handbook.